System Software Engineer

About the Role

At the imec Hardware Systems and Applications department, we build application-oriented prototypes around unique imec chip-level technology to bridge the gap between research and industrial or societal applications. Together with component and domain experts, we innovate at the system level by designing, implementing, and validating integrated solutions (hard- & software) around novel imec technologies – thereby bringing them to the next maturity level (TRL). Our mission is to demonstrate and validate these systems in relevant environments and generate valuable data for our customers and partners. We are building a multidisciplinary team that has expertise in system engineering, mechanics, electronics, optics, software, product development and quality assurance.

We are looking for an experienced Software Engineer to join the System Software team in Leuven. You will work in multi-disciplinary project teams, together with system engineering, mechanical, electronic, optical, bio-chemical, microfluidic, and other domain experts. Your primary focus will be on the development of system-level software that makes up an integral part of our prototypes. This software will interface with, configure, and test the hardware, orchestrate data acquisition, and take care of configuration, calibration, and data correction. Sometimes GUI applications will be built on top of lower-level APIs, to allow for easier usage of the system by end-users (e.g. imec researchers or external customers).

What you will do

• Design, implement, and test software modules for desktop environments.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and system engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Contribute to the development of internal tools and automation pipelines using Docker, GitHub, and CI/CD practices.
• Participate in sprint planning and task tracking activities.
• Document software components and contribute to knowledge sharing and internal presentations.
• Maintain and extend in-house developed software libraries and platforms.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, or equivalent by experience.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in software development.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python restricted.
• Solid understanding of software engineering principles and a strong commitment to code quality, maintainability, and best practices.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, hardware interfacing, or real-time data processing.
• Experience with version control (Git), and Agile development practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team.
• Experience with test-driven development (TDD), software testing methodologies, and frameworks such as Google Test.
• Good understanding of object-oriented programming, software architecture, and data structures.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with GUI development (e.g., Qt, PyQt) and C#.
• Exposure to biomedical systems, instrumentation, or signal processing.
• Familiarity with Jira and Confluence.
• Experience with microcontrollers, MPSoCs, or single-board computers.
• Understanding of hardware APIs, data exchange protocols, or data storage formats.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker.